From Burpees to Breakthroughs: Mariela Burkett’s Mission to Knock Out Cancer

Photo Credit: Alisia DeMelo

Beyond uniting 100 participants, this year’s Survivor Bootcamp marks a significant milestone: Mariela Burkett’s completion of nearly 45,000 burpees, translating to almost $45,000 in donations to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation!

Mariela Burkett’s story epitomizes perseverance, especially as she celebrates an incredible ten years cancer-free. Since her triumph, Mariela has elevated her commitment to fitness, personal training, and inspiring others to new heights, leading to the creation of the legendary Survivor Bootcamp. More than just a workout, Survivor Bootcamp is a powerful fusion of renewal, resilience, and community—capturing Mariela’s spirit of strength and transformation.

Every dollar raised through Survivor Bootcamp directly supports the groundbreaking Guided Therapeutics (GTx) Program at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, advancing real-time surgical innovations that are saving lives. To truly understand the impact of Mariela’s mission, it must be experienced firsthand—knowing that each burpee, each drop of sweat, is helping move cancer research forward.

Vincent (seen receiving CPR from Mariela) returns to Survivor Bootcamp year after year to support Mariela. Not only does he push the limits during the bootcamp, but Vincent also dedicates himself as a nephrologist at Credit Valley Hospital, providing crucial assistance to the community in their times of greatest need. This event is host to some remarkable survivors. We also had the chance to catch up with Dave Mercer, who recently overcame kidney cancer and received support from Vincent throughout his battle!

Get a head start on 2026… Join Mariela for her next Survivor Bootcamp on Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026!

NOTHING CAN STOP MARIELA!

We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have Mariela as part of our Fight To End Cancer ambassador team. We are also extremely grateful to Mariela’s remarkable circle of friends and family, who support her year after year!

MISSED THE EVENT? NO PROBLEM!

Help Mariela reach her goal by donation using the link below. 100% of all proceeds will go to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION!

Public Relations Team, Fight To End Cancer
info@fighttoendcancer.com

Donations to our Fight Team can be made at: fighttoendcancer.com.
Photos available upon request.

Interview Opportunities:
Interview Opportunities are available in studio, on site, and via phone or email with:

• Jennifer Huggins (Executive Director and Founder, Fight To End Cancer)
• Virgil Barrow (Fight Team Head Coach, Kingsway Boxing Club)
• FTEC 2025 Fight Team members (contacts available upon request)
• Presenting Partners:
  • Landscape Plus Ltd. (Since 2015)
  • Grafton Apparel Ltd. (Since 2014)
  • APEX Mobile Media (Since 2025)

The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our presenting partners: Grafton Apparel, Landscape Plus Ltd., and our newest partner, APEX Mobile Media.

Since 2014, Grafton Apparel has been a force in the community, contributing over $2 million to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation through innovative, year-round initiatives.

Landscape Plus Ltd., under the leadership of Jim Mosher and family, has been instrumental since 2012, helping to raise over $3 million in direct donations. Their dedication honours personal connections to the cause and strengthens our community impact.

Elevating their commitment, APEX Mobile Media, a key sponsor since 2020, has stepped into the role of Presenting Partner for 2025. Their global reach and expertise in mobile advertising are set to amplify FTEC’s mission, bringing the fight against cancer to a worldwide audience. Together, these partnerships embody our collective resolve to knock out cancer in our lifetime.

About The Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year-round initiative driven by ambassadors, sponsors, and volunteers worldwide. Since our inception in 2012, we have donated over $3 million to the cause. Funds raised by FTEC go directly to the GTX Program at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Each year, we honour the hard work and dedication of our FTEC family through alternating events: a black-tie charity boxing gala and our newest initiative, The Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’. Our mission is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners. Together, we will end cancer in our lifetime. Learn More About The Fight To End Cancer.